Clinical characteristics of non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study
Soo Ki Kim1, Hiroyuki Marusawa, Yuji Eso
1Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Insights
Alcohol is a primary cause of non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC). Diabetes is linked to alcohol-unrelated NBNC-HCC, which presents at later stages.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis often lacks clear viral etiology.
- Non-B, non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) represents a significant subset of HCC cases.
- Understanding NBNC-HCC risk factors is crucial for early detection and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors and clinical characteristics of NBNC-HCC.
- To differentiate NBNC-HCC based on alcohol-related liver disease (ALD-HCC) versus alcohol-unrelated liver disease (non-ALD-HCC).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,109 HCC patients.
- Categorization based on hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV status.
- Detailed evaluation of 127 NBNC-HCC patients, stratified by etiology (ALD vs. non-ALD).
Main Results:
- Alcohol consumption was the most frequent cause of NBNC-HCC.
- Non-ALD-HCC showed higher rates of diabetes, larger tumors, and elevated tumor markers compared to ALD-HCC.
- ALD-HCC patients exhibited poorer liver function and a higher recurrence tendency, though survival rates were similar.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol is a key factor in NBNC-HCC; diabetes may contribute to non-ALD-HCC.
- NBNC-HCC associated with alcohol-unrelated liver disease often presents at advanced stages.
- Further research into NBNC-HCC risk factors and surveillance is essential for improved outcomes.
Background/Aims:
To clarify risk factors and clinical features of both hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-HCV negative hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC).
Methods:
HCC patients (n = 1,109) diagnosed at a single center were categorized based on the presence of serum hepatitis B surface antigen and HCVAb. Clinical characteristics of 127 NBNC-HCC patients were evaluated.
Results:
NBNC-HCC patients were stratified as those with alcoholic liver disease (ALD-HCC, n = 42) and alcohol-unrelated liver disease (non-ALD-HCC, n = 85). Compared with the ALD-HCC group, the non-ALD-HCC group had a higher prevalence of diabetes (p = 0.015), larger tumor size (p = 0.007), and higher tumor marker levels (p = 0.014). Liver function results were significantly worse in ALD-HCC than in non-ALD-HCC. Although the ALD-HCC group had a higher tendency toward recurrence than the non-ALD-HCC group, survival rates were similar between groups (p = 0.352).
Conclusion:
Alcohol consumption was the most common etiologic factor for NBNC-HCC, and diabetes may be related to the development of HCC in non-ALD-HCC patients. Non-ALD-HCC tended to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage, whereas liver function was worse, and tumor recurrence rate was higher in ALD-HCC patients. Further examination of the risk factors and establishment of a precise surveillance system are necessary for early diagnosis and the development of curative therapies for NBNC-HCC.
